proudland Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 18:00 | Winning time: 5m 9.10s

Present Ranger^t³⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 120| D

1/2

Returned from 158 days off to land a weak looking Market Rasen maiden hurdle latest (2m4½f, good). 6lb penalty for that but still rates the most likely in this contest.

Form: 533/301-

Finalshot⁹⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: R Johnson| T: H D Daly| OR: 120

9/4

Having placed in his first start over hurdles he has since caused problems by racing keenly, unseating his rider and latest unshipping rider before the start causing his withdrawal. Champion may be the man to harness his ability.

Form: 26/28U-

Moans Cross¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Tom Cannon| T: D G Bridgwater

33/1

53 rated staying maiden of 11 on the Flat began with some promise in fifth of 12 latest in a Plumpton maiden. That said he would need to step up plenty to play a part here.

Form: 5

Peddler³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: N de Boinville| T: M Bradstock

33/1

Tailed off in a Hereford novice hurdle last November but has won between the flags in a maiden point-to-point since. May do better this time around then over timber.

Form: 01-

Somekindofstar²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Maxime Tissier⁽⁵⁾| T: L Wadham

14/1

Chased home a useful sort on sole point-to-point outing. In the process of running a sound race on stable debut after a two year absence before falling here but distant third latest to a rival beaten by Present Ranger so up against it now.

Form: 2/F-3

Non-Runners

Master Sam Bellamy⁷²

Weight: 10-12| Age: 6

T: D J S Ffrench Davis J: Harry Bannister

Forecasts

Present Ranger (1/2), Finalshot (9/4), Somekindofstar (14/1), Moans Cross (33/1), Peddler (33/1), Master Sam Bellamy (33/1)

This looks an excellent opportunity for PRESENT RANGER to follow up his Market Rasen success and his claims are certainly far and away the most compelling. Finalshot has ability and could well prove the greatest danger if Richard Johnson can make him behave and put his best foot forward. Master Sam Bellamy may prove best of the rest.